JOB DESCRIPTION
Palm Springs Unified School District
A.R. # 4232.401

SCHOOL/COMMUNITY LIAISON

PURPOSE STATEMENT
The School/Community Liaison assists teachers and nursing staff by making home visits; communicates with parents concerning attendance irregularities; acts as a liaison between school and community; provides information on services available to eligible students and families; conveys information regarding school and/or district activities and procedures; and refers families to other agencies.
FUNCTIONS
• Assists students, staff, teachers, parents and community members.
• Confers with teachers, parents and/or appropriate community agency personnel and assists in the evaluation of students' progress and/or making appropriate referrals.
• Visits families in their homes and assesses situations, improves communication, provides information regarding school policies and programs and/or providing referrals.
• Participates in various meetings as may be required (e.g. IEPs, parent/teacher meetings, etc.).
• Performs record keeping and clerical functions (e.g. scheduling, copying, faxing, etc.).
• Communicates with parents on behalf of school and ensures that an ongoing partnership between the home and school is formed, and language and cultural barriers are removed.
• Conducts parent meetings and gains information and discusses needs and problems involving students and their families.
• Coordinates with community leaders and organizations and builds resources and expanding program capabilities.
• Refers students and their families to outside agencies (e.g. state agencies, medical professionals, counselors, foundations, charities, etc.).
• Responds to inquiries from callers and visitors and provides information, emotional support, referrals and or direction.
• Prepares written materials (e.g. notes, memos, letters, newsletters, handouts, contact records, etc.).
• Maintains manual and electronic documents, files and records.
• Presents parenting classes as assigned
• Identifies at risk students and provides support and referrals to improve student progress and ensure the families ongoing involvement in the educational process.
• Schedules meetings/appointments.
• Organizes various activities (e.g. meetings, appointments with other agencies, parenting classes, etc.).
• Compiles student/family information for a variety of uses (e.g. state reporting, outside agency use, etc.).
• Performs related duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of experience and training which would indicate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above. An example of an acceptable combination is:
One year of responsible experience in community relations, social service, inter-group activities, or similar program work. Examples of relevant experience are as an Instructional Aide, school or civic community aide service.

SKILLS to identify, contact and attain the support of community organizations, agencies and other possible resources; work with students and their families to investigate and provide possible solutions to issues; organize and conduct community meetings; gather and compile data; operate standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; prepare and maintain accurate records; and adhere to safety practices.

KNOWLEDGE of community resources and principles of the district/community liaison partnership; district and school policies and procedures; pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; community resources and principles of a community services program; school educational programs.

ABILITY to promote, reassure and encourage parent/guardian paricipation and attendance in school and community activities; motivate and stress the importance of education, self-esteem, positive behavior and regular school attendance to students; adapt to changing work priorities; communicate with diverse groups including those with varying levels of education; maintain confidentiality; set priorities; meet deadlines and schedules; work with little direction; work as part of a team; understand and be sensitive to the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of vendors, district personnel and administrators; maintain consistent, punctual and regular attendance.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 40% sitting, 30% walking, and 30% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and some hazardous conditions.
Education High School diploma or equivalent.

Required Testing Certificates
Job-Related Proficiency Examination Valid Driver’s License and Evidence of Insurability
Continuing Education/Training Clearances
None Specified Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance
TB Clearance
EVALUATION
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between California Teamsters Public, Professional & Medical Employees Union, Local 911 General Employees Unit and Palm Springs Unified School District.

FLSA Status Bargaining Unit Salary Range BOE Approval Date
Non Exempt Teams 2 19 11/27/07